Heraklion
Currency
EUR
Language
Greek
Timezone
Athens
Continent
Europe
Discover Heraklion
Heraklion is visited for what lies five kilometres south: the Palace of Knossos, capital of Minoan civilisation three and a half thousand years ago, Europe's oldest palace. Arthur Evans's painted-concrete reconstructions have been disputed by archaeologists for a century, but they make the site legible in a way bare ruins would not. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum holds the originals — the frescoes, the snake goddesses, the Phaistos disc — and is seen before or after Knossos, never instead of it. In town, the Venetian fortress of Koules closes the old harbour, and four kilometres of Venetian walls still stand. Saint Titus church keeps the saint's skull, returned by Venice in 1966.
When to go
April to June and September to October: twenty-five degrees, the sea warm from June to November, and Knossos walkable. July and August pass thirty-five degrees and the shadeless site becomes punishing — go at opening. Winter is mild at fifteen degrees, but many coastal hotels close and sailings thin out. Spring is wildflower season across the island and the best time to walk.
Getting around
A city bus reaches Knossos from the centre in twenty minutes, leaving from the city gate. Central Heraklion is walkable. For the rest of Crete a car is necessary: the island is two hundred and fifty kilometres end to end, and the southern gorges have no service. Ferries reach Piraeus overnight in nine hours, and Santorini in two — the most useful link in the archipelago.
Where to eat
Cretan cooking is the archetype of the Mediterranean diet: olive oil in quantity, dakos — dry barley rusk, grated tomato, mizithra — snails, wild greens. Graviera cheese is grated over everything. Raki, or tsikoudia, arrives at the end of a meal and is hard to refuse. The market on 1866 Street, right in the centre, sells herbs, honey and cheese.
Good to know
The euro is the currency. One site is free; Knossos and the Archaeological Museum share a combined ticket that is markedly better value and valid three days. Knossos has almost no shade: a hat and water are not optional in summer. And Crete is large — many visitors underestimate driving times and book too many excursions.
Where to Stay in Heraklion
Top Activities in Heraklion
landmarkKnossos Palace
museumHeraklion Archaeological Museum
landmarkKoules
museumHistorical Museum of Crete
landmarkSaint Titus Church
landmarkSaint Menus Cathedral
museumNatural History Museum of Crete
landmarkAnemospilia
Heraklion Museum of Ancient Greek Technology Kostas Kotsanas
landmarkVenetian city walls
landmarkNiros Archaeological Site
Venetian Loggia
Агенство экскурсий "Иван Сусанин"
Traditional Olive Grove and Dragon Fruit Farm
Morosini Fountain
Castle of Palaiokastro
Άγιος Ματθαίος Σιναϊτών
landmarkLions Square
RAM Rulers
parkGeorgiadi Park
Free
museum